The 2nd Edition Pakistan International Food & Restaurant Awards 2026 was held in Islamabad, bringing together government officials, diplomats, business leaders, hospitality professionals, and tourism stakeholders to recognize excellence in Pakistan’s food, restaurant, hospitality, and tourism industries.
Organized by Brain Designer Pakistan in collaboration with the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), the event also featured a special tribute under the theme “Celebration of Marqa-e-Haq & Marqa Muhasiat,” highlighting national resilience while recognizing achievements across the hospitality sector.
Industry Leaders and Government Officials Attend
The ceremony was attended by federal and provincial government representatives, members of parliament, ambassadors, diplomats, hotel and restaurant executives, chefs, entrepreneurs, representatives of chambers of commerce, overseas Pakistanis, and media professionals.
In his opening remarks, Muhammad Rauf Raja, CEO of Brain Designer Pakistan and Focal Person to the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme on Tourism & Hospitality, said the awards aim to promote excellence, innovation, quality, and service while encouraging entrepreneurship and strengthening Pakistan’s image as a destination for tourism and hospitality.
Focus on Tourism and Economic Growth
Chief Guest Federal Minister for Tribal Affairs Mubarak Zeb Khan praised the initiative and highlighted the role of tourism and hospitality in supporting local businesses, preserving cultural heritage, and creating employment opportunities.
PTDC Chairman Aftab Ur Rehman Rana emphasized Pakistan’s tourism potential and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism, culinary tourism, and cooperation between public and private sector stakeholders.
Chairman of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF), Syed Qamar Raza Shah, said overseas Pakistanis play an important role in promoting Pakistan’s image internationally, adding that the country’s cuisine and hospitality help showcase its cultural identity abroad.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture, Farah Naz Akbar, highlighted Pakistan’s diverse culinary traditions and cultural heritage, describing them as valuable assets for promoting tourism and cultural exchange.
Awards Recognize Excellence Across the Hospitality Sector
The awards honored restaurants, hotels, cafés, food brands, chefs, hospitality professionals, entrepreneurs, tourism organizations, and industry leaders for their contributions to raising standards across Pakistan’s hospitality industry.
Brain Designer Pakistan thanked government institutions, strategic partners, sponsors, hospitality organizations, diplomats, media representatives, and participants for supporting the event and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting tourism, entrepreneurship, cultural heritage, and sustainable economic growth through future initiatives.
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